OK, from my years of experience as a gunsmith, I found that even under tension, a spring isn't likely to care whether you leave them open or closed.
Thanks for all of the input. I think I will store them open.
When storing an auto knife, is it best to store them open so that the springs don't weaken or are the springs such that it is ok to store them closed.
Thanks in advance for the input.
got a Pro-Tech side opener that i always have kept stored closed and it seems as strong now as it did 5 years ago.